Laine Gets The Green Light and New Canadiens Doors Open

Patrik Laine says he had the green light to play, and that alone changes the tone around his situation in Montreal. The Canadiens winger is also talking about new opportunities, which is front-office speak with real-life consequences once the lineup card gets involved. In this league, health and timing are never just medical issues - they are roster decisions, contract decisions, and sometimes career pivots. Montreal now has to decide how to cash in that opening without overplaying its hand.